The Methodist Church Nigeria, National Men’s Fellowship, has urged the people not to despair over the economic downturn, assuring that things would take shape soon.
The Church noted that Nigerians have begun to lose faith in the present administration, especially with the removal of the fuel subsidy and its attendant effects.
However, it urged the government to take pragmatic steps to ameliorate hunger and other forms of suffering among Nigerians, addressing issues such as the economy and deplorable roads across the country.
The appeal was made in a communique issued at the end of the 23rd/3rd biennial national conference of the National Men’s Fellowship of the Methodist Church Nigeria, themed ‘Men, Upholding the Faith of Our Fathers’ (Jude 1:3). The conference took place at the Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from Thursday, November 16, to Saturday, November 19, 2023.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was among six eminent Nigerians honored with awards as Pillars of Support during the conference. The event was officially declared open by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, who was represented by the Archbishop of Ikot-Ekpene, The Most Rev’d (Dr) Etim Ekong, along with the Connexional Secretary for Evangelism and Discipleship, Right Rev’d Inyang Effiong, and several other bishops. Two personalities were garlanded with Samuel Wesley Awards for good parenting, eight persons received awards as Worthy Ambassadors of Christ, and another six persons were in the category of Pillars of Men’s Fellowship Awards.
The communique, signed by Elder Uche Achugbuo, National Secretary; Very Rev James Adikwu, National Coordinator; and Sir (Dr.) Kehinde Oladeji, National President, and made available to journalists in Ibadan by the National Public Relations Officer of the National Men’s Fellowship of the church, Sir Tunde Babalola, touched on various important issues.
The communique read in part: “The conference advocated faith and consistent prayer for a time of surplus in Nigeria, believing that a time of surplus is coming. It urged people not to be discouraged by the difficulties arising from the fuel subsidy removal. The Conference acknowledged the challenges Nigerians have been enduring but expressed hope that, like the biblical story of Samaria, there would be light at the end of the tunnel. It prayed for a swift return to normalcy, bringing laughter and relief to all.
“The leadership of Nigeria was urged to evolve deliberate policies that would build institutions stronger than individuals, rising above tribalism, corruption, marginalization, nepotism, and more. The Conference stressed the essential need for citizens to support the government at federal, state, and local government levels in overcoming Nigeria’s challenges through faith and prayer. It called on men to take leadership roles in their families and communities, supporting the government in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.
“The Conference strongly condemned banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity in the country. It called on the government to do everything within its power to eliminate these menaces and take Nigeria out of the quagmire.
“Emphasising the importance of real men of prayer in defending God’s word, the Conference charged them to lead their families in worship. It recognized the family unit’s significance in maintaining societal peace, emphasizing that troublemakers often come from different family units. The Conference urged men not to fail in their responsibility to their families, society, and Almighty God, raising God-fearing children who contribute immensely to societal development.
“The Conference, acknowledging the harsh economic conditions in Nigeria, urged the men of the Methodist Church and everyone to draw closer to God in prayer. It called on the government to take steps to ameliorate hunger and other forms of suffering among Nigerians.
“Advising men and women, both young and old, to take care of their health and avoid harmful habits, the Conference urged them to refrain from anything that could shorten their lives or be injurious to their health. It urged them to distance themselves from anything that could lead to health conditions associated with old age.
“Prioritizing investment in the youth of Nigeria was recommended for the three tiers of government and corporate organizations as a deliberate policy. The focus areas should include investing in the education of the youth, providing employment opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for them to start their own businesses.
“The Conference called on the Federal Government to take stock of all federal roads across Nigeria and their conditions. While some are in good condition, many are in a deplorable state, leading to wasted hours on the road and accidents claiming lives. The Conference criticized the way some youth have capitalized on the situation to barricade deplorable roads and extort money from motorists. The Conference called on the federal and state governments to work together to fix the appalling roads.”
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